Everton and Newcastle battling for Championship ace

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is a target for numerous Premier Clubs in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Express.

McCarthy impressed for the Royals last season in the Premier League despite being relegated, although he has not been an automatic first choice this season under boss Nigel Adkins.

Newcastle and Everton are among the clubs current looking at the 24 year old though and both will be sending scouts to today’s clash between Middlesbrough and Reading.

The impressive stopper has been involved in the England set up under Roy Hodgson and is still an outside bet to make the World Cup squad, especially if he became a regular for a Premier League side in the new year.

Newcastle are fearful of losing Tim Krul in the summer and Everton are considering a change as their number one Tim Howard’s form has dropped.

West Ham, Southampton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace also want the young stopper but none are prepared to pay the £8million that Reading want.